Nintendo has unveiled a robust lineup of games for its upcoming Switch 2 console, with a series of announcements made on Tuesday. The gaming giant provided insights into a diverse array of titles set to launch in the coming months, including highly anticipated games such as Mario Tennis Fever and the Super Mario Bros. Wonder expansion. These revelations were part of a preview event held in January in New York City, attended by numerous media outlets, including Polygon.
The preview event commenced with a 30-minute session of Mario Tennis Fever, a Switch 2-exclusive sports game scheduled for release on February 12. The game introduces a dynamic twist to traditional tennis, allowing players to utilize special abilities known as Fever Shots. These abilities can unleash various hazards like tornadoes and blizzards, transforming matches into chaotic and unpredictable contests. Polygon’s team emerged victorious in all four doubles matches, triumphing over competitors from GameSpot and Tom’s Guide.
Exploring New Horizons with Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Following the exhilarating tennis matches, attendees were treated to a sneak peek of Meetup in Bellabel Park, the latest expansion for Super Mario Bros. Wonder, slated for release on March 26 alongside the Switch 2 version of the game. Unlike traditional level expansions, Meetup in Bellabel Park offers a collection of Mario Party-style minigames. These games require players to either collaborate or compete with friends to achieve success, adding a fresh layer of strategy and fun to the beloved franchise.
Despite their earlier success, the Polygon team struggled in these minigames, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the expansion. This innovative approach is expected to attract both long-time fans and newcomers to the series.
Reviving Classics and Introducing New Adventures
As the event continued, attendees had the opportunity to explore a revival of the Virtual Boy, set for release on February 17. Giovanni Colantonio from Polygon shared his experience, noting,
“It’s disorienting, the games stink, and I walked away from my session with a bit of back pain. But that’s exactly what I wanted.”
Meanwhile, other attendees previewed Capcom’s upcoming Switch 2 titles, including a brief encounter with Resident Evil Requiem and an extended session with Pragmata. The latter, a sci-fi action game, captivated players with its engaging gameplay, prompting many to play through the demo multiple times. Pragmata is set to launch on April 24 and will also be available on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X.
Looking Ahead: Nintendo’s 2026 Plans
While Nintendo’s immediate plans for 2026 remain somewhat vague, a few notable releases are on the horizon. Pokémon Pokopia is set to debut on the Switch 2 on March 5, followed by Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream on April 16 for the original Switch. Additionally, the platformer Yoshi and the Mysterious Book and the Smash Bros. roster incubator Fire Emblem Fortune’s Weave are both slated for 2026, though specific release dates have yet to be announced.
This lineup underscores Nintendo’s commitment to delivering a diverse and engaging gaming experience for its fans. As the company navigates the evolving landscape of the gaming industry, its ability to maintain momentum throughout the year will be crucial. The upcoming releases for the Switch 2 signal a promising start, but the challenge lies in sustaining this pace and continuing to innovate.
As gamers worldwide eagerly anticipate these releases, Nintendo’s strategic moves in the coming months will be closely watched, setting the stage for what could be a transformative year for the iconic gaming brand.
